Abstract: A gas-liquid heat exchange device that utilizes a plurality of heat absorbent discs mounted on a horizontal axis and adapted to be rotated between a liquid and a gas stream to transfer heat from the liquid to the gas. The discs are imparted a rotational force by driving means that utilizes the gravitational force attracting the heavier liquid.

Abstract: A rotor construction for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger in which sector-shaped compartments are formed between imperforate diaphragms that extend radially outward from a central rotor post. The diaphragms serve to form the sector-shaped compartments that are packed with heat absorbent plates, while they simultaneously serve as imperforate barriers which preclude fluid flow laterally between compartments as the rotor is being moved alternately between a heating fluid and a fluid to be heated. In order to simplify construction of the rotor and to improve the operating efficiency thereof, the heat absorbent element plates are arranged in a radial pattern whereby they serve as radial sealing members while they simultaneously serve as heat absorbent element.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a horizontal rotor post about which there are secured a plurality of axially spaced layers of heat absorbent element through which a heating fluid and a fluid to be heated are alternately directed. The heating element is contained in a plurality of sector-shaped compartments in juxtaposed relation that are pivotally attached to the rotor post. Sealing means are designed to be inserted as radial strips that extend between adjacent compartments in frictional engagement therewith to preclude the flow of fluid through the space therebetween. The sealing means are independent from the rotor structure at all times to permit complete freedom of movement whereby the sealing means will find an optimum relationship intermediate the element compartments.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor of heat absorbent material that is alternately exposed to hot and cold fluids in order that heat from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid through the intermediary of the heat absorbent material. The rotor is surrounded by a housing including sector plates that cooperate with a rotor post seal at opposite ends of the rotor to separate the several fluids. A unique support for the sector plate and the rotor post seal is adapted to move axially while permitting radial expansion effected by thermal variations of the rotor to provide an optimum sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A detector that monitors infra-red ray emission from an air preheater to detect a temperature rise that precedes a fire within the air preheater. The detector of infra-red rays is alternately moved between a "detecting" stage within the air preheater and a "cleaning" stage in clean ambient air where particulate matter deposited thereon by dirty gas may be removed to maintain the detector at a high degree of operating efficiency.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a rotary regenerative air preheater that precludes the leakage of gas or air through the clearance space between a cylindrical rotor shaft and an end plate of a relatively fixed surrounding housing structure. The sealing arrangement includes an annular flange concentrically fixed at one end to the rotor shaft and adapted to extend into spaced relation with the housing structure to provide a clearance space therebetween. The clearance space is adapted to carry a plurality of discrete bands of packing material with a pressurized air seal therebetween to resist the flow of fluid therethrough, while the annular flange is subjected to wear and attrition that would otherwise be imposed upon the rotor post.